Breaking: Geno Smith Signs $85.5 Million Two-Year Extension with Raiders – Details Inside!

The Las Vegas Raiders and quarterback Geno Smith have sealed a two-year contract extension worth up to $85.5 million, according to team sources. This deal includes a base amount of $75 million plus $10.5 million in performance incentives. Smith’s extension guarantees him $66.5 million and keeps him with the Raiders until the 2027 season.

Last month, the Raiders traded a 2025 third-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks to acquire Smith, who was in the last year of his contract. It was anticipated that an extension would follow shortly after the trade. Before this deal, Smith received a hefty $16 million roster bonus, which had pushed his cap hit for 2025 to $31 million. Now, with this new deal, he effectively holds a three-year contract valued at $106 million, making his annual salary about $35.3 million. This figure ranks him 17th among NFL quarterbacks, just below Derek Carr and above Sam Darnold.

Head Coach Pete Carroll spoke positively about Smith’s capabilities during the NFL’s annual league meeting, highlighting his work ethic, growth, and competitive spirit. “He’s a great leader,” Carroll said, impressed by how Smith has thrived after years of less playing time. "He was focused and ready, and when it was his turn, he excelled."

General Manager John Spytek noted that even though he hadn’t worked with Smith before, he recognized Smith’s talents from a distance. The collaboration between Spytek and Carroll made the trade for Smith a clear choice. The two had deep trust and confidence in Smith’s skills, which helped expedite the extension.

Looking ahead, the Raiders own the sixth pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. There’s speculation they might still draft another quarterback. Spytek mentioned the team is deeply evaluating this year’s quarterbacks and remains open to a range of options, either trading up or down.

Smith had an impressive season last year, leading the Seahawks to a 10-7 record and setting several franchise records, including a 70.4% completion rate and over 4,320 passing yards. While Seattle wanted to retain him, their offer fell short of Smith’s expectations. This played a significant role in the trade to the Raiders.

Smith is the seventh quarterback for the Raiders since the departure of long-time leader Derek Carr after the 2022 season. At 34 years old, many players in the league are now having longer careers, but questions linger about how long Smith can sustain this role.

The Raiders are still aiming to build a competitive roster. While Spytek and Carroll maintain a “best player available” strategy, they might prioritize addressing other team needs, like a running back or offensive linemen, before considering the quarterback situation further.

Sports analysts point out that while Smith is certainly a valid starter, the Raiders should not lose sight of their longer-term goals, especially concerning their future quarterback. As they move forward, it’s crucial for the organization to balance immediate success with sustainable team building.

For more detailed analysis on quarterback performance trends in the NFL, check out this ESPN report.

Check out this related article: Breaking: Cowboys Trade for QB Joe Milton from Patriots to Strengthen Depth Behind Dak Prescott